Paulinho attracting interest and likely to leave Vasco | OneFootball

Paulinho is in the final week of his Vasco contract, which expires on 31 December, and he is unlikely to stay in 2026. According to Globo.com, the midfielder has attracted interest from Série A clubs in recent weeks and has suitors in the Middle East.

Renewal talks cooled in the second half of the year. After a serious knee injury early in 2024 he had limited chances, and while both sides wanted a deal early in 2025, the club cooled on the idea as the season progressed. His exit is now the likeliest scenario at season’s end.

His representatives acknowledge enquiries from Brazilian top-flight clubs. He also retains a market there, having played from 2021 to 2023 for Al-Shabab and Al-Fayha in Saudi Arabia. Vasco signed him in mid 2023 after that spell.

Paulinho made an immediate impact on arrival, becoming a key figure for Ramón Díaz as Vasco escaped relegation in 2023 on the final day. He scored in the decisive match against Bragantino and embodied the late surge away from the drop zone.

The 2024 campaign brought frustration. He ruptured knee ligaments during the Rio state championship early that year, missed the entire season and returned only on the final matchday of the Brasileirão.

In 2025 he began as a starter under Fábio Carille, then lost his place and featured sparingly for Fernando Diniz. Across the year he played 27 games, scored one goal and provided one assist.

Source: Globo.com